Kones quits race for Bomet East MP seat, endorses son
Bomet East MP Beatrice Kones has announced she will not defend her seat in the August General Election.
Speaking at the weekend, Kones said she had already delivered on her pre-election promises to the people.
Kones who is the widow of former Minister Kipkalya Kones was serving her second term has taken over from him in a by-election in 2008.
Kones died in a plane crash alongside then Sotik MP Lorna Laboso. She, however, lost the seat to Benard Bett in 2013 but made a comeback in 2017.
She now becomes the second legislator from the county to quit politics after her Bomet Central counterpart Ronald Tonui also opted not to defend his seat after serving two terms.
During a recent Deputy President William Ruto’s event in Bomet town, Tonui announced that he was taking a break from politics.
“I have no problem with anyone. We are only praying for William and supporting him to be the next President but down here, everyone is free to elect the person of their choice because I am retiring this year,” he said.
Making the declaration during a meeting at her Bomet home on Saturday, Kones clarified that she was not quitting politics.
“I am simply taking a break to allow others to lead and so that I can turn to focus on my personal life,” said Kones.
She added: “I have many legacy projects which I ensured were completed and that is what makes me happy as I retire though there are some which I have lined up and others ongoing before the end of this term.”
She endorsed her son, Kevin Kalya, to run for the seat. Kalya ran against her in 2017.
Others in the race are Rolex Sirma, Richard Yegon, Joan Cherotich, Justus Maina, Bernard Bett, Bismack Wasta, Kipsang Rotich and Kimutai Diaz among several others.
